Real Madrid will clash heads with Deportivo Alaves at the Mendizorrotza Stadium on Saturday night as they look to kick off their La Liga campaign with a win on the road. Los Blancos were held to a goalless draw versus AC Milan in a pre-season friendly game last weekend. Hence, Carlo Ancelotti will have to figure out a way to get his players back to firing on all cylinders in the final third.
The Italian tactician could opt for a 4-3-3 formation and is expected to bring Vinicius Jr. back for this game away at Basque Country. Rodrygo could drop to the bench but might come on to influence the game in the second half if needed.
4-3-3 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup To Face Alaves
Defence
Thibaut Courtois will feature in goal for Los Blancos as he looks to secure a clean sheet away from home in the opening weekend of this La Liga season. Nacho might get the nod to start alongside David Alaba at the centre of the Real Madrid backline. The defensive duo will look to keep things solid at the back and stop Alaves from finding the back of the net throughout the game.
Lucas Vazquez will operate at right-back while Marcelo fills in on the other side as the left-back. Ancelotti will give both of them the license to get forward and express themselves in the opposition half.
Eder Militao will make up the numbers on the bench as he offers cover for the centre-half positions.
Midfield
Ancelotti’s midfield could be comprised of Isco, Casemiro and Luka Modric as they try to focus on producing a dominant display collectively and establish their authority over Alaves at the centre of the park. Both Isco and Modric will also be responsible for engineering a few clear-cut chances up top.
Martin Odegaard will have to settle for a spot on the bench as he looks to make an impact as a late-game substitute if Ancelotti calls upon his services.
Attack
Vinicius Jr. will look to use his pace to get in behind the opposition backline down the left flank. Gareth Bale will be expected to put in a positive performance as the right-winger. Luka Jovic could get another chance to shine as Ancelotti’s primary centre-forward. Karim Benzema is a major doubt for this match because he is lacking match fitness which could rule him out this weekend.
